These accidents usually happen without the crew’s knowledge and occur at high speed with no warning so survivors tend to be rare.

If there are survivors, it’s usually because they’re thrown clear or were perhaps caught by a tree.

But in accidents where a problem has been identified beforehand, the use of tight seatbelts, along with adopting a suitable brace position, is known to have a strong effect on whether you survive.

Mr Braithwaite explains that such a high rate of survival is due to improvements in crashworthiness (the science of making structures better able to cope with impact), the cabin environment, and crew training.

According to the European Transport Safety Council, 90% of aircraft accidents are survivable (Picture: Getty)

Increased chances of survival

He says: ‘The materials we use now are less flammable. The seats better able to withstand impact forces. The exit routes are more clearly marked. The fire suppression systems are more effective and the space around exits is better designed to allow the fast flow of evacuating passengers.’

Passengers who pay more attention to the safety announcements and take notice of their nearest exits are also more likely to get off an aircraft that is on fire or filled with smoke.

Always listen to the crew’s advice in an emergency and stay calm (Picture: Alamy)